Thai girl band BNK48 sparks outrage by wearing Nazi swastika T-shirt for TV performance as they 'didn't know WW2 history'
The BNK48 singer claimed she "didn't know WW2 history" and was unaware of the Nazi symbol's meaning.
Pichayapa "Namsai" Natha has apologised after images of her wearing the offensive top went viral online.
The hugely popular band, which has dozens of female members, were taking part in a televised rehearsal on Friday when Namsai donned the outfit.
Many viewers were shocked and offended by the error, which the 19-year-old claims was made due to a lack of knowledge.
The Israeli embassy expressed "shock and dismay" at Namsai's choice of clothing.
Presenting Nazi symbols by the band's singer hurt the feelings of millions around the world, whose relatives were murdered by the Nazis.
Israel's deputy ambassador to Thailand Smadar Shapira, said: "Presenting Nazi symbols by the band's singer hurt the feelings of millions around the world, whose relatives were murdered by the Nazis."
The singer has since met with the Israeli ambassador and apologised.
Ms Shapira said on Twitter the band will be taking part in an educational workshop on the Holocaust to raise awareness as a result of the incident.
BNK48 said in a statement on Facebook the "costume which included inappropriate print" had "caused dismay and distress to people affected by the past event on the crime against humanity all over the world".
BAND APOLOGY
It said the band would "make every effort to ensure that an incident of this kind will never happen again".
Namsai issued an apology at a concert on Saturday and posted a statement on Twitter, asking for the advice of her fans so she can be better in the future.
While many fans expressed their shock at Namsai's choice of attire, others claim they too were unaware of the meaning of the Nazi symbol.
It's not the first time Nazi images have caused outrage in Thailand.
In 2013 students at Chulalongkorn University painted a mural showing Hitler amongst superheroes like Batman.
And in 2016 students at Silpakorn University did a Nazi salute and one student even dressed as Hitler for a cosplay event.
Source: Read Full Article